Duterte is known for his rhetoric such as his comments over adultery[2] and rape[3][4] He has insulted international dignitaries from the United Nations[5] He had poor relations with the Roman Catholic Church, due to his alleged history of being sexually abused by members of the clergy and has repeatedly criticized and insulted aspects of Christianity and its God. The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines has been a critic of his human rights record since he was still a Mayor of Davao City.[6][7]

In terms of foreign relations, Duterte has pursued a foreign policy described by his administration as an "independent foreign policy", pursuing greater foreign relations with China and Russia and has distanced the country from its traditional ally the United States. He has adopted a more friendly stance towards China compared to his predecessor and has set aside the previous government policy of using the Philippines v. China international arbitration ruling to assert the Philippines' claims over the South China Sea and its islands.

The inauguration of Leni Robredo as Vice President commenced at 9:00a.m. PHT at the Quezon City Reception House, Robredo's official office. By her request, Robredo's oath was administered by two village chiefs, Ronaldo D. Coner, the chief of Barangay Punta Tarawal in Calabanga, Camarines Sur, described as the "smallest, farthest and poorest barangay" in Robredo's home province, Camarines Sur,[17][18] and Regina Celeste San Miguel, the chief of Barangay Mariana, Quezon City where Robredo's office is located.[19]

Duterte has fired, removed, resigned, replaced, relieved, rejected and designated several appointed members of his cabinet, some of which were reappointed to other agencies a few weeks after being fired or removed.[citation needed]

An Act requiring all franchise holders or operators of television stations and producers of television programs to broadcast or present their programs with closed captions option, and for other purposes

10906

Anti-Mail Order Spouse Act

July 21, 2016

10908

Integrated History Act of 2016

10909

No Shortchanging Act of 2016

10910

Section 11 of Republic Act No. 3019, as amended, known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act

10911

Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act

10912

Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016

10913

Anti-Distracted Driving Act

10915

Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Act of 2016

10916

Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016

10917

An Act Amending Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 9547, known as an Act Strengthening and Expanding the Coverage of the Special Program for Employment of Students, Amending for the Purpose Provisions of Republic Act No. 7323, known as the Special Program for Employment of Students

10918

Philippine Pharmacy Act

10922

Economic and Financial Literacy Act

July 22, 2016

10923

An Act postponing the October 2016 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9164, as amended by Republic Act No. 9340 and Republic Act No. 10656, Prescribing Additional Rules Governing the Conduct of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections and for Other Purposes

October 15, 2016

10927

An Act Designating Casinos as Covered Persons under Republic Act No. 9160, known as the "Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001"

July 14, 2017

10928

Amending Section 10 of Republic Act No. 8239, known as the "Philippine Passport Act of 1996"

An Act Rationalizing and Strengthening the Policy Regarding Driver's License by Extending the Validity Period of Drivers’ Licenses, and Penalizing Acts in Violation of its Issuance and Application, Amending for Those Purposes Section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136, as Amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 398 and Executive Order No. 1011, Otherwise Known as The Land Transportation and Traffic Code

An Act Strengthening the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law by Increasing the Penalties for the Refusal of Hospitals and Medical Clinics to Administster Appropriate Initial Medical Treatment and Support in Emergency or Serious Cases, Amending for the Purpose Batas Pambansa Bilang 702, Otherwlse Known as “An Act Prohibiting the Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the Confinement or Treatment of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Certain Cases”, As Amended by Republic Act No. 8344, and for Other Purposes

An Act Adjusting the Amount or the Value of Property and Damage on Which a Penalty is Based and the Fines Imposed Under the Revised Penal Code, Amending for the Purpose Act No. 3815, Otherwise Known as “The Revised Penal Code”, as Amended

An act providing for the rank classification in the Philippine National Police, Amending for the purpose Section 28 of Republic Act No. 6975, As amended, Otherwise known as the “Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990”

An Act abolishing the Road Board and providing for the disposition of the motor vehicle user’s charges, collections, Amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 8794, entitled “An act imposing a motor vehicle user’s charge on owners of all types motor vehicles and for other purposes”

Robredo later paid a courtesy call on Duterte in the Malacañang Palace on July 4, 2016.[42] Three days later, Duterte appointed Robredo to a Cabinet position (as the head of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council).[43] Duterte earlier said that he had no plans to appoint Robredo to a Cabinet position due to his unfamiliarity with her and his friendship with Bongbong Marcos, Robredo's closest rival in the vice presidential election.[44] (In relation to this friendship with Marcos, Duterte had earlier announced on May 23 that he would make good his campaign promise to allow the immediate transfer of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos' remains from the former President's home province to the Libingan ng mga Bayani.[45] The controversial burial with honors has been scheduled for September.

On 12 July 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) tribunal agreed unanimously with the Philippines in the international case, Philippines v. China, which former president Noynoy Aquino initiated in January 2013. In its award, it concluded that there is no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or resources, hence there was "no legal basis for China to claim historic rights" over the area within the nine-dash line.[49][50] The tribunal also judged that the PRC had caused "severe harm to the coral reef environment",[51] and that it had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone by interfering with Philippine fishing and petroleum exploration by, for example, restricting the traditional fishing rights of Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal.[52] The PRC rejected the ruling, calling it "ill-founded"". PRC president Xi Jinping insisted that "China's territorial sovereignty and marine rights in the South China Sea will not be affected by the so-called Philippines South China Sea ruling in any way", nevertheless the PRC would still be "committed to resolving disputes" with its neighbours. China afterwards sent more warships in the Scarborough Shoal.[52][53] On the same day, President Duterte has named Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran as the "Anti-Red Tape Czar".[54] The following day, Duterte met with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and her daughter, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, the top officials of the Asian Development Bank and Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal for a series of courtesy calls and meetings.[55] On July 14, President Duterte attended the thanksgiving dinner organized by his fellow alumni from the San Beda College of Law at the Club Filipino, San Juan.[56] President Duterte has offered former President Fidel V. Ramos to become the Philippines' special envoy to China on the planned bilateral talks between two countries, in connection with the ongoing South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) dispute.[57]

On August 1, 2016, President Duterte led a mass oath-taking ceremony of 23 newly appointed government officials. Shortly after the oath taking, Duterte made a press conference to the journalists of the privately owned media outfits, ending Duterte's boycott on media.[66] In August 5, Duterte criticized CPP founder Joma Sison for having no capability to control even a single barangay, communist rebels for being 'arrogant', and former US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg due to an argument which led to Duterte calling Goldberg a 'homosexual'.[67] On the same day, Pamplona, Cagayan vice mayor Aaron Sampaga was shot dead by unidentified gunmen.[68]

On August 7, 2016, President Duterte, who was at the wake of four soldiers killed in an encounter with communist rebels in Camp Panacan, Davao City, delivered a speech wherein he named local government officials, court judges and police officers who are all involved in illegal drug trade.[69][70] In August 17, Duterte accused senator and drug war critic Leila de Lima for being an 'immoral woman' due to an alleged sex video, repeating the backlash again in August 21.[67]

On September 2, an bomb exploded in Duterte's hometown, Davao City. The bombing was later blamed on members of local terrorists known as Maute Group.[71] The incident prompted Duterte to declare a "state of lawlessness" in the country, which would remain in effect for over a year.[72] In early September, Duterte made his first foreign trip as head of state, attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Laos.[73] Before leaving for his first international summit, Duterte quickly made international headlines after slamming then-US president Barack Obama and calling him a "son of a whore”[74] in Filipino language, warning the US leader not to criticize him on human rights issues brought about by the Philippines’ controversial drug war.[75] During this time in the House of Representatives, Duterte critic Leila de Lima faced a series of investigations on the alleged drug trade in the NBP, with De Lima refusing to attend, calling it a “sham inquiry” and a mere ploy to discredit her. In the Senate's probe on extrajudicial killings related to the drug war, De Lima presented Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed hitman and member of the so-called Davao Death Squad. Matobato testifies that Duterte ordered the group to execute people back when he was Davao City mayor.[76] However, this was later refuted and disproven,.[77][77][78] and it was labeled as 'hearsay' and 'lies' by Duterte.[79][80] By the end of September, Duterte again stirred up international reactions when he drawn parallels between his drug war and the annihilation of 3 million Jews during the Holocaust Duterte also proudly said that he was being portrayed as a “cousin” of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.[81] He later apologized for his remarks, saying "There was never an intention on my part to derogate the memory of 6 million Jews murdered by the Germans".[82] In September 22, Duterte told media that he does not 'know the name of that fool', referring to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. On the same day, he criticized the European Union for criticizing his speeches and campaign against drugs.[67]

In October 4, Duterte again hit Barack Obama, this time calling on Obama to 'go to hell'.[67] In October 10, Duterte resumed his word war with the Catholic Church, cursing bishops and priests who criticized his war against drugs.[83] In October 13, the President signed an administrative order creating a presidential task force to probe media killings.[84] This comes several months after he was criticized for remarks he made as president-elect, when he justified the killing of allegedly corrupt members of the media.[85] In October 18, Duterte visited China to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries amid tensions in disputed South China Sea territories.[86] During a trade and investment forum in Beijing, Duterte announced the Philippines’ separation from the United States and his decision to move closer to China, although the US embassy reports that no formal request was made to severe Philippine-US ties.[87] Duterte's Cabinet members later clarified[88] the President's statements, and Duterte himself said two days later he was not cutting ties with the US.[89] In October 19, police clashed with protesters outside the US embassy in Manila. Several protesters, mostly indigenous peoples protesting alleged military and US presence in their ancestral lands, were injured after a police van repeatedly ran over the them.[90] In October 28, Datu Saudi-Ampatuan, Maguindanao mayor Samsudin Dimaukom was killed in an alleged shootout with state operatives in Makilala, Cotabato.[91]

In November 5, Albuera, Leyte mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr, who has allegedly linked to the drug trade, was killed inside his jail cell in a reported shootout with personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).[92] In November 8, the Supreme Court issued its verdict which paved the way for a Duterte campaign promise to the bury the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery). Thousands rallied in protest against the verdict.[93] In November 14, the Philippine peso dropped to an almost 8-year low against the US dollar.[94] In November 16, Duterte's allies downplayed the President's earlier statements that he was "tempted" to declare martial law to solve the drug problem in the country.[95] In November 18, Ferdinand Marcos was buried with full military honors at the Heroes’ Cemetery, without advance notice to the media.[96] The sudden burial of Marcos, “like a thief in the night,” as critics called it, sparked national outrage, especially among those who suffered human rights abuses under the Marcos regime. Thousands of protesters, organized by the youth and democracy groups, staged protests nationwide to express their strong disappointment and rage against the heroic burial of the dictator who killed thousands of Filipinos under his martial regime. The protests also aimed to be a form of defiance against the intense rise of drug war killings in the country since Duterte took office last June 30. The protest was continuously held from November 18 to November 30, becoming the longest continuous protest in the Philippines in 2016.[97] In November 20, the Judicial and Bar Council also held public interviews for candidates vying for the seats of two retiring Supreme Court justices.[98] In November 26, Datu Saudi-Ampatuan, Maguindanao vice mayor Anwar Sindatok was shot dead at close range.[99]

Protesters opposing the heroes' burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

In December 4, five months after the President offered Vice President Leni Robredo a Cabinet post through a phone call, the Vice President resigned from the Cabinet. Robredo announced her resignation from her post as housing chair after she received a text message from Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr, “to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting December 5.”[100] In December 6, the National Bureau of Investigation said that the death of Albuera Mayor Espinosa was a "rubout" and recommended criminal charges against the 24 CIDG operatives involved, which included police superintendent Marvin Marcos.[101] In December 7, a bill for the reimposition of the death penalty hurdled the House committee level.[102] In response, the United Nations warned that the Philippines will violate international law if it reintroduces capital punishment.[103] In December 11, celebrating International Human Rights Day, militant groups march to Mendiola Street in Manila. This was the first protest to feature a mixed effigy of Duterte, along with Ferdinand Marcos, and the United States flag.[104]

In December 18, Duterte admitted that he was taking the addictive opioid drug Fentanyl, a powerful painkiller often prescribed for cancer pain and other chronic ailments, beyond the recommended dose because of a spinal injury from previous motorcycle accidents., which have the side-effects including confusion, anxiety and hallucinations.[105] In December 17, Duterte endorsed senator Manny Pacquiao as his possible successor when his term ends in 2022.[106] Additionally, Duterte suffers from Buerger's disease and Barrett's esophagus, but has denied insider reports that he has throat cancer.[107] In December 19, a survey showed that most Filipinos are worried about becoming the next victims of the drug war.[108] In December 22, Duterte said that UN High Commission for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein has 'lack' of knowledge in international law, further saying that he pays the commissioner's salary.[67] On Christmas Eve, an explosion outside a church in Midsayap, Cotabato injured at least 13 people.[109] Duterte linked the bombing, as well as the September blast in Davao City, to the international terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).[110] In December 29, Pantar, Lanao del Norte mayor Mohammad Exchan Limbona was killed in an ambush in Iligan.[111]

In November 8, the Supreme Court issued its verdict which paved the way for a Duterte campaign promise to the bury the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery). Thousands rallied in protest against the verdict.[93] In November 14, the Philippine peso dropped to an almost 8-year low against the US dollar.[94] In November 16, Duterte's allies downplayed the President's earlier statements that he was "tempted" to declare martial law to solve the drug problem in the country.[95] In November 18, Ferdinand Marcos was buried with full military honors at the Heroes’ Cemetery, without advance notice to the media.[96] The sudden burial of Marcos, “like a thief in the night,” as critics called it, sparked national outrage, especially among those who suffered human rights abuses under the Marcos regime. Thousands of protesters, organized by the youth and democracy groups, staged protests nationwide to express their strong disappointment and rage against the heroic burial of the dictator who killed thousands of Filipinos under his martial regime.

In July 2016, Duterte directed his peace process advisor for the CPP–NPA–NDF rebellion, Silvestre Bello III, to lead a government panel in resuming peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People's Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Oslo, Norway, expressing hope that a peace treaty between the rebellions would be reached within a year.[112] The first talks began on August 22–26, 2016, in which the parties agreed upon "the affirmation of previously signed agreements, the reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees which 'protects the rights of negotiators, consultants, staffers, security and other personnel involved in peace negotiations',[113] and the accelerated progress for negotiations."[114] In February 2017, due to recent attacks and kidnapping of soldiers by members of the NPA despite the imposed ceasefire by the government and the rebel groups, President Duterte cancelled all negotiations with the CPP–NPA–NDF and labeled them a terrorist group.[115] He also ordered the arrest of all NDF negotiators.[116] Military offensive against the group resumed after Duterte's cancellation of ceasefire.[117]

During the 2016 election, Duterte campaigned to restore the death penalty in the Philippines.[118][119][120] Duterte, who won the election in May 2016, supports restoration of the death penalty by hanging.[121] It has been reported that he wants capital punishment for criminals involved in illegal drugs, gun-for-hire syndicates and those who commit "heinous crimes" such as rape, robbery or car theft where the victim is murdered.[121] Duterte has theatrically vowed "to litter Manila Bay with the bodies of criminals".[122] In December 2016, the bill to resume capital punishment for certain "heinous offenses" swiftly passed out of Committee in the House of Representatives; it passed the full House of Representatives in February 2017.[123] In March 7, despite fierce criticism, especially from the Catholic Church, the House of Representatives approved on 3rd and final reading the controversial bill.[124] However, the law reinstating the death penalty stalled in the Senate in April 2017, where it did not appear to have enough votes to pass.[125][126]

On July 5, 2016, Duterte revealed the names of five police officials who were allegedly involved in illegal drug trade.[129] On July 7, during a press conference, Duterte presented a chart identifying three Chinese nationals who serve as drug lords in the Philippines.[130][131]

Duterte has justified the drug war by claiming that the Philippines was becoming a "narco-state". According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the prevalence of drug use in the country is lower than the global average.[137] Duterte has dismissed human rights concerns by dehumanizing drug users, stating in August 2016: "Crime against humanity? In the first place, I'd like to be frank with you. Are they humans? What is your definition of a human being?"[138] In the first three months of Duterte's term in office, according to police figures, over 3,000 killings were attributed to his nationwide anti-drug campaign. More than half were attributed to vigilantes. At the beginning of October, a senior police officer told The Guardian that ten "special ops" official police death squads had been operating, and that he had personally been involved in killing 87 suspects. He described how the corpses were dumped at the roadside ("salvage" victims), or had their heads wrapped in masking tape with a cardboard placard labelling them as a drug offender, so that the killing would not be investigated. The chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, Chito Gascon, was quoted in the report: "I am not surprised, I have heard of this." The Philippine National Police declined to comment. The report stated: "although The Guardian can verify the policeman's rank and his service history, there is no independent, official confirmation for the allegations of state complicity and police coordination in mass murder."[139]

On February 2, 2017, the mining sector was shaken up after environment secretary Gina Lopez announced the closure of 23 mining operations.[142] Duterte, who has expressed support for Lopez, said that there was nothing he could do about the closures.[143] In May 3, Lopez's appointment as Environment Secretary was rejected by the Commission on Appointments (CA) in a vote of 8–16 on May 3, 2017, amid issues over her controversial policies and alleged incompetence.[144]

In April 4, Duterte announced that the government shall 'close down' all operations within the island of Boracay, the country's number one tourism destination, due to 'environmental concerns'.[145] In April 10, Duterte admitted that the government has 'no master plan' in how to clean-up Boracay, which he called a 'cesspool'.[146] In April 24, more than 600 military personnel were deployed by Duterte in Boracay, confusing the natives on the government's initial environmental wordings.[147][148] In April 26, Boracay's 6-month closure began, and entire island was officially closed to the public.[149]

Nur Misuari's wife Tarhata Misuari received help from Duterte when he interceded on their behalf after the events of Zamboanga.[152] Duterte has said that Moro dignity is what the MILF and MNLF are struggling for, and that they are not terrorists. He acknowledged that the Moros were subjected to wrongdoing, historical and in territory.[153]

During the Mindanao Hariraya Eid al-Fitr 2016 convention in Davao City on July 8, 2016, Duterte vowed to address the Moro conflict and bring peace in Mindanao, assuring the Filipino Muslim community that "something will change" before the end of his term. He said that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) both support his proposal for federalism in the Philippines, which he says is the only solution to the Bangsamoro peace process. Duterte said that if the proposal for the country's shift to federalism fails or is not desired by the Filipino people, he will vow to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which would establish the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. He also added that the Basic Law should benefit both MILF and MNLF, saying he is willing to negotiate with both secessionists to initiate a "reconfiguration" of territory.[158][159]

A crowd of Muslims were attending the speech by Duterte where he accused America of bringing terrorism to themselves, saying that terrorism is not the result of the Middle East.[160] He railed against the actions undertaken in the Middle East by the USA.[161] Duterte blamed the war on Mindanao on colonialist Christianity being brought to the Philippines in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, saying there was peace before that and that they were made to fight their "Malay brothers" by Christians.[162]

The Bud Dajo Massacre inflicted upon the Moros was mentioned by President Duterte to criticize the United States and its President Barack Obama.[163] The massacre was cited a second time by Duterte in criticizing America while calling for the exit of American troops.[164]

During his campaign for the 2016 presidential election, one of Rodrigo Duterte's promises was the phasing out of contractualization and improvement to labor in the Philippines. Upon his election, he appointed Silvestre Bello III as Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, who considers making all companies put at least 80% of all employees under contract as per the president's orders. By the end of 2016, around 36000 workers have been regularized. Going into 2017, Duterte and Bello aimed for a new permanent policy that would end labor-only contractualization by the end of February, but Bello wound up not signing it. Instead he decided first for dialogue between the president and labor groups in order to get feedback. Eventually President Duterte met with the labor groups as Bello drafts a new Department Order that would stop labor contractualization. However, by March 16 Bello signs Department Order 174 which sets stricter guidelines on contractualization but doesn't immediately illegalize it. Duterte however continued his stand against contractualization, promising to sign an Executive Order against it. However, the Marawi crisis ends up postponing the signing. As of 2018, no Executive Order has been signed by President Duterte regarding the complete abolishment of contractualization. A rally was organized by labor groups on March 15, 2018 in protest against the president's delay of the EO. Eventually on May 1, Duterte signs an EO that would put an end to contractualization, although labor groups criticized the president for his actions since the one signed was not the draft agreed upon with them.[169]

On June 13, 2018, the Philippine National Police launched "Oplan RODY" or "Rid the Streets of Drunkards and Youths" . The campaign targeted to arrest the youth, notably students and jobless young adults who loiter outside their homes.[170] In June 21, records showed that 7,291 youth were arrested by the police just 9 days after the "Oplan RODY" or "Rid the Streets of Drunkards and Youths" campaign was launched, sparking protests nationwide. The record of arrests released were only from Metro Manila, one of the 18 regions in the country.[171] In June 22, Duterte withdrew his position and denied that he ordered the initiation of "Oplan RODY", however, he did not call for the stopping of the campaign.[170]

The anti-loitering campaign met public backlash from various militant groups, the religious sector and human rights activists. On June 27, militant and religious groups protested against the campaign, also called "Oplan Tambay".[172] On June 30, 25-year-old Genesis Argoncillo was arrested by the police for 'not wearing a shirt' under the Oplan RODY campaign of Duterte. Argoncillo was killed a few days later while in prison.[173] On July 6, members of Anakbayan gathered outside QCPD Station 4 to call for justice for Genesis 'Tisoy' Argoncillo, who was allegedly killed by the detainees following his arrest during the Oplan Tambay,[174] by protest.[175]

Indigenous Lumad people appeal to the government to stop the bombings and militarization of their communities and schools. Community schools in Lumads has been alleged to have ties with communist rebels. Holding his suspicions, Duterte has repeatedly threatened the military to bomb Lumad schools last July 24[176] and Nov 17, 2017.[177]

Duterte ordered the bombing of Lumad community schools because of suspicions that they shelter communist rebels.[176] On May 20, 2017, the Armed Forces of the Philippines burned down an entire community of Lumad people, which included a school and 35 houses in the Soccksargen region of Mindanao.[178] On December 8, the Karapatan group asked the United Nations to probe the killings of the Lumad (indigenous peoples of Mindanao), after eight T'boli and Dulangan Manobo farmers were killed by members of the 27th and 33rd Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army.[179][180]

On February 5, 2018, it was confirmed that the military-conducted killings of Lumad peoples in Mindanao continued. Duterte ordered the military to bomb Lumad schools last July 2017, and has never withdrawn the threat.[181] On July 16, military presence in Surigao del Sur, a traditional Lumad indigenous territory, prompted an expansive Lumad evacuation due to fear from military bombings, leading to protests against Duterte's anti-Lumad campaigns.[182] On July 23, Barug Katungod, a group that monitors the human rights situation in Mindanao, announced that Duterte's Mindanao martial law has shifted focus from terrorism to tribes fighting for ancestral domain, which has caused the massive military killings and threats against the indigenous Lumad peoples.[183] On July 25, it was reported that Lumad evacuees face harassment, and lack of water and food due to constant military attacks and threats.[184] On July 26, Lumad groups demanding the reopening of schools for their children brought their protest by holding the wake for one of their leaders right at the doorsteps of the Department of Education (DepEd) office.[185] On July 26, Lumad groups demanding the reopening of schools for their children brought their protest by holding the wake for one of their leaders right at the doorsteps of the Department of Education (DepEd) office.[185] On August 9, Lumad evacuees formally returned to their homes after days to months in evacuation camps. However, military presence in some areas have continued as Duterte never officially withdrew his statements to bomb Lumad schools.[186]

On December 19, Duterte signed into law the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN Law), which slightly increased the take-home pay of workers but also increased the taxes on and prices of goods nationwide. The signing of the law exponentially increased the country's inflation rate and diminished the strength of the Philippine peso.[187][188]

The implementation of the TRAIN Law triggered protests from various left-wing groups. On January 15, protesters gathered at various public market sites, calling for the revocation of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act, a law that has increased the cost of goods exponentially since December 2017.[189] TRAIN law and other issues are also tackled in student protests called "Pambansang Walkout".[190] On May 21, several groups gathered at numerous gas station sites in the country to protest the continuous increase of oil prices, citing the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN Law) as the main cause.[191]

The Maute group, an ISIS-inspired terrorist group, had reportedly been able to establish a stronghold in Lanao del Sur since early 2016. The group had been blamed for the 2016 Davao City bombing and two attacks in Butig, Lanao del Sur, a town located south of Marawi, in 2016.[192] Before the Duterte administration, the Philippine government had downplayed the threat of ISIS in the Philippines.[193] Even after the February 2016 Butig clash with the Maute group, then-President Benigno Aquino III discounted the possibility of the Islamic State's presence in the country. He said that those behind the attack were just mercenaries wanting to be recognized by the Middle East-based terror group.[194]

In November 2016, President Duterte confirmed the Maute group's affiliation with the Islamic State.[192] Amidst fierce fighting in Butig on November 30, 2016, Duterte, in a command briefing in Lanao del Sur, warned the Maute group: "Ayaw ko makipag-away sa inyo. Ayaw ko makipag-patayan, (I do not want to fight with you. I don't want us killing each other) but please, do not force my hand. I cannot be forever traveling here every month para lang makipag-usap (just to talk), at pagtalikod ko patayan na naman (and when I turn around, there's killing again). I do not want to mention anything, but please do not force my hand into it."[195][196] On December 2, 2016, as the military regained control of Butig, the retreating Maute fighters reportedly left a note threatening to behead Duterte.[197]

According to the Philippine government, the clashes began during an offensive in Marawi to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of the ISIL-affiliated Abu Sayyaf group.[202][203] A deadly firefight erupted when Hapilon's forces opened fire on the combined Army and police teams and called for reinforcements from the Maute group.[204]

The Armed Forces of the Philippines stated that some of the terrorists were foreigners who had been in the country for a long time, offering support to the Maute group in Marawi. Their main objective was to raise an ISIS flag at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol and declare a wilayat or provincial ISIS territory in Lanao del Sur.[207][208]

The fighting lasted for five months until October 17, 2017, the day after the deaths of militant leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon. President Duterte declared Marawi as "liberated from terrorist influence".[209] This was followed by another October 23, 2017 pronouncement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that the five-month battle against the terrorists in Marawi had finally ended.[210]

Part of Duterte's socioeconomic policy is the Build! Build! Build! Infrastructure Plan which according to the administration will usher in the "Golden Age of Infrastructure". The goals of the program are to reduce poverty, encourage economic growth and reduce congestion in Metro Manila.[211]

Early in his term, Duterte's expletive-laden outbursts triggered the biggest exodus from stocks in a year and made the peso Asia's worst performer in September 2016. The Philippine currency was at a seven-year low and rounding out its worst month since May 2010. In the same month, the Philippine peso completed its biggest monthly decline since October 2000 amid the biggest outflow from the nation's stocks in a year.[216] According to the Philippines' Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, the peso's slump this year is "mainly due to a deteriorating trade outlook because of rising imports of capital goods, which is normal for a country that is growing very fast".[217] Currency strategists have, however, "predicted a rebound once investors see beyond Duterte's words".[218]

After 100 days in office, former president Ramos, a political ally-mentor of Duterte said that "Duterte has been a huge disappointment and letdown" and "the government was losing badly by prioritizing a war on drugs at the expense of issues like poverty, living costs, foreign investment, and jobs".[219][220] Based on subsequent surveys conducted by the Social Weather Stations, optimism in the economic prospects under the Duterte administration remains "excellent" with more Filipinos believing that the quality of their lives will improve in the next 12 months.[221] This is supported by polls conducted by Pulse Asia one year after Duterte took office, wherein approval (82%) and trust (81%) ratings for Duterte still remain very high.[222]

In November 2, 2018, the Philippines slipped 11 places from the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings.[223][224] The Department of Finance is demanding a correction from the World Bank, citing the smaller data set used to assess the country's credit base.[225][226]

In September 2018, the inflation rate of the country skyrocketed to 6.7%, its highest in a decade.[227][228] In September 13, it was confirmed that the country's inflation rate continued to rise, alarming numerous investors. [229] On September 21, 2018, Duterte signed Administrative Order No. 13, removing non-tariff barriers in the importation of agricultural products, to address soaring inflation rates.[230][231] Inflation decreased in November 2018, at 5.8 to 6.6 percent.[232]BSP decreased its inflation forecast for 2019, after the passage of the rice tariffication bill.[233] Inflation decreased further to 5.1% in December 2018.[234][235]

The Duterte administration has vowed to pursue an "independent foreign policy" that would reject any meddling by foreign governments, reiterating Article II, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution which states: "The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination." In September 2016, Duterte said: "We will observe and must insist on the time-honored principle of sovereignty, sovereign equality, non-interference and the commitment of peaceful settlements of dispute that will serve our people and protect the interests of our country."[citation needed]

Duterte joins other ASEAN heads of states, holding hands as a symbol of unity in Vientiane, Laos, September 7, 2016.

Duterte has placed great importance on the Philippines' diplomatic relations with its ASEAN neighbors. Following tradition, his first trips outside the country were to Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, and Singapore.[237]

In 2017 the Philippines was chair and host to the ASEAN summits, a series of diplomatic conferences centering on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The culminating event was held in Manila on 10–14 November (31st summit). It was attended by ten Asean leaders.[238]

Following his inauguration as president, Duterte mentioned his willingness to "reorient" his foreign policy towards China and Russia, particularly in the areas of trade and commerce.[239] During an interview with Al Jazeera, he expressed his willingness to conduct joint military exercises with China and Russia.[240] In September, Duterte said that he is considering purchasing military equipment, particularly weaponries and armaments, from China and Russia to strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in addressing insurgency and counter-terrorism, saying that deals between the Philippines and the two countries are already in discussion and that the Chinese and Russian governments have offered the Philippines soft loans that would be payable in 2025.[241]

On October 18–21, 2016, Duterte visited Beijing to meet with Chinese officials, including PresidentXi Jinping and PremierLi Keqiang. While announcing his "separation" from the United States in front of Chinese and Filipino businessmen at the Philippines–China Trade and Investment Forum in Beijing on October 20, Duterte also said that he would realign himself with the Chinese ideological flow and that he might also travel to Russia to meet with PresidentVladimir Putin to "tell him that there are three of us against the world – China, Philippines, and Russia".[242][243]

On November 20, 2016, Duterte met with Putin during the sidelines of the APEC summit in Lima, Peru. Duterte has praised Putin's leadership skills and called him his "idol". Putin also invited Duterte to visit Moscow.[244][245] Duterte said that he would visit Moscow on May 25, 2017, where a defense cooperation agreement between the Philippines and Russia is expected to be finalized.[246]

During an interview with RT in November, Duterte said that the Philippines is "not ready" for military alliances with China and Russia due to the Mutual Defense Treaty signed between the Philippines and the U.S.; however, he clarified that the Philippines could seek stronger diplomatic cooperation with China and Russia, as well as other countries, "to make the world more peaceful".[247] Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev expounded on Duterte's statement by saying that the Russian government is offering a strategic partnership with the Philippines, not a military alliance, and added that Russia does not believe in establishing military alliances with Asia. However, Khovaev explained that the Russian government is open to assisting the Philippines in purchasing Russian-made weaponry.[248]

On October 12, Duterte declared his intention to terminate joint US–Philippine naval patrols in the South China Sea, which he believes could needlessly antagonize China.[256] His reticent approach with China contrasts with his otherwise "belligerent rhetoric and swaggering persona"; he has received support for some political ads from an anonymous Chinese donor.[257]

When then U.S. Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson threatened China's positions on the islands, the Philippines said that Tillerson was speaking for the U.S. only in the U.S.'s interest and prerogatives.[259]Delfin Lorenzana, Duterte's Defense Secretary, rejected the possibility of war against China over the islands in the South China Sea.[260]

Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the Blue House in Seoul on June 4, 2018.

On April 6, 2017, Duterte ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to occupy and fortify at least nine uninhabited islands in the South China Sea. He announced plans to visit the Philippine-administered Thitu (Pag-asa) Island during Independence Day and raise a Philippine flag there.[261] Duterte also ordered the Philippine Navy to build structures on the Benham Rise in order to reassure the Philippines' sovereignty over the undersea region, following the sighting of Chinese survey vessels.[262] He also announced plans to rename the Benham Rise to the Philippine Ridge.[263] On April 12, Duterte canceled his plan to visit the Thitu (Pag-asa) Island, citing goodwill and friendship with China.[264] On April 21, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the allocation of ₱1.6 billion to develop the Thitu (Pag-asa) Island, despite rejection from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[265] The development of the island is expected to include the construction of a marine research center, beaching facilities, a radio station, an ice plant, and a power station, as well as the improvement of the Rancudo airstrip runway.[266] On May 16, 2017, Duterte signed an executive order formally renaming the Benham Rise to the Philippine Rise.[267]

In February 2018, the Philippine Daily Inquirer published aerial surveillance photos of Chinese military fortifications in the South China Sea which showed runways, hangars, control towers, helipads, radomes and multi-storey buildings on reefs across the region, described by the newspaper as "island fortresses". The photos, which were mostly taken in late 2017, were authenticated by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which described them as "the most complete, detailed batch of aerial pics available", and stated that the "photos show China is nearly done with its militarization of South China Sea". Duterte's spokesman told reporters: "[The region has] long been militarized. And the question is, what can we do?" - which led to accusations of dereliction of his "sacred core duty" of defending Philippine territory.[268]

On September 12, 2016, Duterte said that he is "not a fan of the Americans" and that he wants to "reorient" foreign policy with the United States. He requested that U.S. forces in Mindanao should leave the Philippines, specifically those who are part of the Operation Enduring Freedom, saying that it would "inflame the situation with the Abu Sayyaf".[269][270] Duterte said on September 13 that he does not plan to cut ties with the United States, but wants to reiterate the administration's pursuit of an "independent foreign policy" in accordance with the Constitution; the administration will continue to honor mutual agreements like the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.[271] On September 20, Duterte said: "I never said get out of the Philippines, for after all, we need them there in the China Sea. We don't have armaments."[272][273]

On September 27, Duterte vowed not to allow the U.S. government to interfere with the policies of his administration. He criticized the U.S. government for "lecturing" his administration on human rights amidst their campaign on illegal drugs and said that he will "cross the Rubicon with the U.S." Duterte added that he plans to forge "new alliances" with China and Russia in trade and commerce.[274]U.S. Department of State deputy spokesperson Mark Toner responded to Duterte's criticisms by saying that the Philippine–U.S. relations could still remain "strong and unabated" despite Duterte's criticisms.[275] The following day, while addressing the Filipino community in Hanoi, Duterte said that the Balikatanmilitary exercises and the joint naval patrols in the South China Sea between the Philippines and the U.S. in October would be "its last" in order to avoid provoking conflict with China.[276][277]

Duterte with then U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, August 7, 2017

On October 5, Duterte accused the U.S. of refusing to sell armaments to the Philippines and said that he would rather purchase armaments from China and Russia.[278] In an attempt to repair relations with the U.S., Duterte's Defense Secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, said Duterte was "misinformed" about the U.S. alliance: "Maybe, the defense ministry and the armed forces were remiss in providing him the correct information."[279]

On October 6, Duterte's then-Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. denounced the idea of the Philippines being regarded as a "little brown brother" by the U.S.[280] Yasay said that the Philippines had been "failed" by the U.S.[281][282]

On October 20, while on a trip to Beijing, Duterte declared a "separation" from the United States which he stated had lost militarily, socially, and economically, and emphasized a realignment of the Philippines to move closer to China.[283] During a press conference after arriving from Beijing, Duterte clarified that what he meant by "separation" was a "separation of a foreign policy" and not a severance of diplomatic ties, saying that it would not be feasible to cut diplomatic ties with the U.S. due to the large number of Filipino Americans.[284] U.S. Department of State spokesperson John Kirby responded by saying: "We are going to be seeking an explanation of exactly what the president meant when he talked about separation from the U.S.; it's not clear what that means and all its ramifications."[285] On October 23, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific AffairsDaniel R. Russel traveled to Manila to seek clarification and explanation for Duterte's comments with Philippine officials, including Foreign Affairs SecretaryPerfecto Yasay Jr. and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.[286][287]

Following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar offered "warm congratulations" to Donald Trump on his election victory. He said that Duterte "look[ed] forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines–US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law".[289] While in Kuala Lumpur, Duterte personally congratulated Trump by greeting him "Mabuhay!" and expressed hope that the Trump administration would honor obligations and treaties signed between the Philippines and the U.S.[290] On December 2, Duterte called then President-elect Trump to personally congratulate him once more and invited him to visit the Philippines for the Twelfth East Asia Summit in 2017, while Trump invited Duterte to visit him in New York City and Washington, D.C. after the former's inauguration.[291] On April 29, 2017, President Trump called Duterte to inform him of his planned visit to the Philippines in November for the East Asia Summit. Trump also extended an invitation to Duterte to visit him at the White House.[292] During their call, Duterte urged Trump to show restraint in dealing with North Korea over their nuclear weapons program, warning him that the region could suffer "immensely".[293] Trump also praised Duterte's drug war during the call, telling him "I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem".[294][295]

Two weeks into Duterte's presidency, on July 13, 2016, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) conducted the first survey on his presidency since his inauguration on June 30, where Duterte received an "excellent" trust rating of 79% among 1,200 adults nationwide.[296][297] A week later, on July 20, Pulse Asia released a poll conducted on July 2–8 which showed that 91% of Filipinos trust Duterte, making him the most trusted official in the Philippines since 1999, according to Pulse Asia.[298][299] On January 8, 2018, Duterte's trust ratings fell to 82% according to an SWS poll.[300] On April 26, 2018, Duterte's trust ratings further fell to 65%.[301] A SWS survey released in September 2018 found that Duterte's trust ratings fell again to 57%.[302] On the third quarter of 2018, Duterte's trust rating increased to 62%.[303][304]

The latest in 2019 April Social Weather Station survey puts Duterte’s approval ratings at a historic high of 79%, higher than any of his predecessors at this stage in their presidencies.[305]